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Ecumenical Patriarch in Northern Greece

1. November 2013 - 10:23

Following his visit to the Holy Mountain of Athos, His All-Holiness visited the Holy Metropolises referred to collectively as the New Lands in Northern Greece from October 19-27, 2013. The administration of these provinces was officially entrusted to the Church of Greece by a Patriarchal and Synodal Act of September 4, 1928.

The Patriarchal delegation included Archbishop Demetrios of America, Metropolitans Gennadios of Italy and Germanos of Tranoupolis, as well as Grand Archdeacon Maximos, Second Patriarchal Deacon Andreas, V. Rev. Grand Preacher Bessarion, and Archdeacon Panteleimon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew traveled to the Metropolis of Neapolis and Stavroupolis for the fortieth anniversary since its founding; the Metropolis of Thessaloniki for the festive period of annual celebrations in honor of its patron St. Demetios; the Metropolis of Nea Krini and Kalamaria; and the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Vlatadon. He also visited the Turkish consulate in Thessaloniki.

During his visit, His All-Holiness received the Gold Medal of the City of Thessaloniki, symbolizing the Municipal Council of Thessaloniki's decision to declare him an honorary citizen; the Medal of Saint Demetrios, which is the highest distinction awarded by the Aristotle University; and an honorary doctorate from the University of Macedonia's Department of Balkan Slavic and Oriental Studies.